LUZERNE COUNTY HEAD START, INC. BENEFITS PACKAGE

A Competitive Benefits Package comparable to none from AOne of the 40 Outstanding Programs in the Nation@!

AWe care about our FULL TIME STAFF as individuals with personal lives to offer the very best for the very best@

 

 

Adjusted Schedule: Allowing 2 hour or 1 hour lunch, negotiated annually with supervisor; adjustments made to beginning or ending times of an individual=s daily work schedule.

 

 

Bilingual Abilities:  5% incentive is awarded to individual=s pay for possessing and using a bilingual ability; must have a majority case load considered bilingual.

 

 

Career Development:  Tuition Reimbursement at the state equivalent rate for college course(s) per semester. 

 

* For Teachers holding an AAS Degree and actively pursuing a BA/BS, a $750 stipend is given after 12 credits obtained.

 

 

Career Pay Program/Educational Pay:  Annual subsidy awarded for attainment of job related education and years of service.

 

 

Center Connection: Agency prepared newsletter keeping the staff  “connected” by sharing agency news and benefits.

 

 

Credit Union:  Employees can become members of the Cross Valley Federal Credit Union; payroll deduction is available.

 

 

Cost of Living Allocation:  All staff employed on the date of the award will receive a Cost of Living Allocation, as well as any  retroactive portion to January 1 of the current fiscal year.

 

 

E-mail Access: All employees are provided with a user ID and have e-mail access on the agency website  www.lchs.hsweb.org.

 

 

Employee Assistance Program:  Clinical, outreach and prevention/education services available.  Agreement with Wyoming

Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc.

 

 

Employee Referral Program: Current employees can refer a prospective applicant for employment in the agency.  The referring employee will receive $150 incentive once the applicant is hired and completed their provisional period of work.

 

 

Direct Deposit of Paycheck:  Available with local banking institutions.

 

 

Flexible Benefit Plan- Section 125 Plan:  A voluntary employee tax deferred (savings) program to offset medical and Child/day care expenses.

 

 

Health Insurance:  Health coverage following a ninety (90) day waiting period; employee contribution at 6.05% for the base plan coverage; additional cost if not base plan.  A waiver or  ACash Out@ Option is available with an additional incentive added to bi-weekly pay (proof of existing coverage required).  Coverage can include Individual, Employee/Spouse, Employee/Child(ren), Family; Plan available: Geisinger Selectus, includes vision; Guardian Dental plan.

 

 

Holidays: The following are paid Holidays, according to an employee's schedule:

New Year=s Day                           Memorial Day                                       President=s Day                                   Fourth of July

Labor Day                                     Columbus Day                                     Martin Luther King Day                       Veteran=s Day

Spring Vacation (3 days)            Thanksgiving Holiday (3 days)        Christmas Day/Extended Holiday    

 

 

Life Insurance and Long Term Disability: Agency-paid plan.  Employee is automatically enrolled into plan following 90 day   provisional (waiting) period. Benefit at 1x annual salary; LTD at 60% of monthly salary after waiting period.  An additional Life Insurance plan through TransAmerica Corporation is also available strictly at the employee=s own expense.

 

 

Loan Deferment/Cancellation: Deferment and/or cancellation of student loans; certain restrictions apply per loan agreement.

 

 

Mileage Reimbursement: $.40 per mile for use of personal vehicle for business related purposes.

 

 

Personal Time: Center Staff (10-month employees) can accrue 3 days per school year according to a defined schedule.  Personal time may be carried  over to consecutive school years, up to 6 days; 12-month staff accrue 1 day per year.

 

 

 

Physical Exam: Committed to keeping staff healthy, bi-annual exams are required with a reimbursement up to $25.

 

Retirement Plans: (1) Employer-only contribution savings plan for retirement with investment opportunities; (2) Tax Deferred Annuity plan as offered through Mutual of America, is a voluntary employee contribution program, investment opportunities.

 

 

 Safety Program: LCHS is dedicated to the health and safety of all staff, children and families in the program.

 

 

Sick Days: Paid time off for the purposes of illness.  Accrual begins the first day of work, based on hours worked.  Average number of days/year is 11; maximum accrual is 65 days.

 

 

Sign-On Bonus: $500, for applicants hired with bilingual language abilities.  Award given following 90 day provisional period.

 

 

Smoke Free Environment: All Head Start facilities are smoke-free with our agency serving as a role model for children, families and the community.

 

 

Staff Mental Health Services: On-site counseling services provided by Community Counseling Services of NEPA.

 

 

TAP 529 Tuition Account Program: Voluntary employee contribution for qualified dependents= college education.

 

 

Training Opportunities: Paid training opportunities for an employee=s professional development.

 

 

Vacation Time (FT 12-month staff only): 2 weeks (year 1) up to 4 weeks (year 5).  Time is earned on accrual basis, carry-over up to 1 week.  Vacation Buy-Back -up to 1 week=s time can be requested to be bought back at the end of a fiscal year.

 

 

 Wellness Programs: LCHS is dedicated to the health and well-being of its staff; we offer programs to staff for maintaining

a healthy lifestyle.